Wolves start of new season with win

Wolves won an opening game of the season for the first time in eleven years as goal from Jones and Fletcher gave them a half time two nil lead.

New Stoke signing Kenwyne Jones hit the bar early on after a through ball by Fuller. That was to be it for Jones as he hobbled off after a strong tackle from Jody Craddock. It was David Jones that got the Wolves' first goal of the season. Kevin Foley was fouled on the edge of the area leaving Wolves with a good chance to score. Karl Henry laid the ball off for Jones to flick the ball up and volley it off the upright and in. This wasn't the first time Jones had tried this, but it was the first time a goal had come of it.

It wasn't long before Wolves got another. Good work from Jelle Van Damme, Matt Jarvis and Christophe Berra resulted in Stephen Fletcher nodding in from a looping cross. Wolves came close again with Jarvis having a shot blocked and Ebanks-Blake also came close.

After half time Stoke came out fired up. Fletcher was forced off with an injury and the game swung in Stoke's favour. They pulled one back through Faye from an Etherington corner but they couldn't sustain the pressure. Wolves came back into the game and controlled it, keeping the ball well.

Wolves came close to extending their lead through Stephen Ward. He had a ferocious shot tipped spectacularly onto the bar by Thomas Sorensen and then had another go from the rebound. A goal for him would have capped off an excellent performance from both left back and left wing.

Stoke rarely threatened to equalise, and weren't even getting anywhere with their throw ins. One clip to look up on youtube would be Delap's throw in in the dying seconds. He slipped while taking it and conceded a foul throw.

Star Player

David Jones - 8

There were doubts whether he could hold his own in a 4-4-2 but after this display there should be no more doubts. He controlled the game and is proving Mick's decision to put him in the team right.

Player Ratings

Marcus Hahnemann

Comfortable game, relieves the pressure from the defence by collecting the ball at crosses and today, throw ins. 7

Kevin Foley

Another typical Foley performance. Solid in defence and good on the ball. Had a hand in the first goal. 7

Christophe Berra

Keeps on improving, and dealt with Fuller who's pace could have caused problems but he hardly had a sniff. 7

Jody Craddock

Carried on where he left off, another heroic performance at the back. 7

Stephen Ward

Expected to start at left wing, but had one of his best games in an Old Gold shirt. Unlucky not to score. 8

Matty Jarvis

Not in his usual position but caused endless problems and created a lot of chances. 7

Karl Henry

Swept up across the midfield and won that crucial midfield battle. 7

David Jones

As said, superb. Is looking the part in the top flight. 8

Jelle Van Damme

Played on the wing opposed to in defence but gave us height defending and attacking. Good debut. 7

Stephen Fletcher

Fully justified the fee we paid for him. Classy on the ball and a debut goal, hopefully more to come. 8

Sylvan Ebanks-Blake

Had a point to prove and flourished next to Fletcher. A goal would have been very deserving. Can count himself unlucky if he doesn't play at Everton.

Andy Keogh

Had little impact and almost gave away a goal. Was subsitute towards the end. 5

George Elokobi

Came on to seal the win, defended ok. 6

Greg Halford

Had little time to do anything.

Manager Rating

Mick made the right choices. The 4-4-2 worked, and the decision to play Ward full back and Van Damme on the wing was right. 8

Opponent Rating

Lost his main man after ten minutes, but not a typical Stoke performance as they lost nearly all the battles all over the pitch. 6

Best of Vital Network

Comments

0

Yes,good all round I do think though with Doyle on the mend he'll play Fletcher wide and Doyle up the middle next week at Everton.Which does not leave room for Seb?maybe a spot on the bench is the best hope and play him at next home match.

I guess it depends on Doyle and Fletcher's fitness. Fletcher definitely brought out the best in SEB so imagine what Doyle could be like with him.
It's nice knowing that we have good enough backup if one of them gets injured

Well I saw things in S.E.B that Doyle did last season , Doyle huffed n puffed a few games and didn't score last season , S.EB did that and more so will you stop with the Blake being on the bench etc , He proved Saturday that a fit and raring to go Blake is just as good as Doyle or Fletcher !!!!!!!! , Get used to the Idea we have 3 strikers not 2 , Jones got the rewards and man of the math award for his goal and deservedly so , But Karl henry never gets a mention and i though he was by far man of the match , Never stops tackling and winning the ball to give our attacking players the liscence to roam !!!!!!!! , Always the way that these types of players always go on as unsung heros and the pretty players get all the top marks !

TRADER , your doing my nut in because not ONCE have I said it will not be Doyle and Fletcher when fully fit , MY ARGUMENT ffs is that until that happens S.E.B has the chance to show his worth , And if a striker is Firing in someones absence you keep with him dont you !!!! , Do you only comment if i comment regarding Blake ??? , Or is it your Racist lol